Letters to the editor: Inquiry into Iraq invasion needed

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Inquiry into Iraq invasion needed

Conservative commentators, such as Rush Limbaugh, declared that congressional Republicans “blew it” when questioning Secretary of State Hillary Clinton regarding the tragedy in Benghazi. That the Embassy was encroached and four Americans killed was tragic, but one had to surmise the real purpose of the hearing was to smear Clinton should she have any ambition for higher office. The good result is those incompetent inquisitors were able to “cut their teeth” in preparation for a long overdue congressional hearing on the U.S. invasion of Iraq. If that takes place, the first witness could be Treasury Secretary Paul O’Neil, who was appointed by President George W. Bush, and then was asked to resign because he did not fit the Bush Cabinet’s mold. In his book, “Price of Loyalty,” O’Neil relates how Bush instructed his staff to find a way to invade Iraq. He mentions a Pentagon document “Foreign Suitors for Iraq Oil Contracts” that outlined plans to split up Iraq’s fuel sources between the world’s oil companies. After Sept. 11, 2003, Bush found reason to carry out his plan. He could blame the attack on Saddam Hussein and also claim that Iraq was developing weapons of mass destruction. He sent weapons inspector David Kay to Iraq in order to back that claim. Kay could not find even a janitor who might have worked in a nuclear facility. As a result of that invasion into the sovereign nation of Iraq, approximately 4,800 U.S. service personnel were killed, 33,000 were wounded and among coalition forces, contractors, academics and journalists, there were more than 4,000 deaths along with more than a million Iraqi civilians killed. During the course of a Sept 15, 2006, news conference, Bush was asked what Iraq’s involvement was on Sept. 11. His answer was “nothing.” When questioned why he did not order U.S. troops to Pakistan to hunt for Osama bin Laden, he replied, “Pakistan is a sovereign nation,” thus he could not send thousands of troops into Pakistan without an invitation from that government. He was unable to produce a similar invitation from Saddam Hussein. Sens. John McCain, Ron Paul, Ron Johnson and other members of Congress who “blew it” in questioning Hillary Clinton would have a chance to redeem their judicial skills. They should not worry that Bush and any co-defendants would leave the country, as they would be retained and brought before the World Court. Although there is no statute of limitations on murder, Bush and party would not have to fear indictments. The aforementioned senators could put all blame on the liberal press. PATRICK KILLEEN Eastpointe